Masca facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Masca
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Masca in Tenerife
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 Masca
Location in Canary Islands
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| Country |  Spain |
| Autonomous community |  Canary Islands |
| Province | Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
| Island | Tenerife |
| Municipality | Buenavista del Norte |
| Population
(2013)
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| • Total | 99 |
| Time zone | WET |
| • Summer (DST) | WEST |
| Official language(s) | Spanish |
Masca is a small mountain village located on the island of Tenerife. This beautiful spot is part of the Canary Islands in Spain. It was first settled by the Guanches, who were the native people of the Canary Islands, before the Spanish arrived in 1496.
Today, Masca is home to about 90 people. The village sits high up at 650 meters (about 2,130 feet) in the Macizo de Teno mountains. These mountains stretch all the way to the northwestern tip of Tenerife.
Nature and Hiking in Masca
Masca is surrounded by lush forests filled with Cypress trees and palm trees. The village is also at the very start of the Masca Gorge. This gorge is a deep valley that leads down to the Atlantic Ocean.
The Masca Gorge Trail
A popular activity in Masca is hiking down the gorge to the beach. This trail is quite challenging and takes about three hours to complete one way. It's important to be well-prepared for this hike. Always wear proper shoes and bring enough water. It's also a good idea to go with an experienced guide. The path can be tough, so safety is very important.
Local Wildlife: The Masca Snail
Masca is also known for a special type of land snail called Hemicycla mascaensis. This snail is unique to Tenerife, meaning it can only be found on this island. It was even named after the village of Masca!
